David Lowery's (writer and director) The Green Knight is gorgeously shot with rich colors, intricately beautiful imagery (that felt and looked like a Medieval painting), and meaning-laden symbolism. This film harks back to classic movies where heroes go on epic adventures and impossibly difficult mythic quests. Based on a 14th-century poem - it has all the elements of chivalric stories in that genre. It would be easy to follow it through Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey. And I think, for the most part, Lowery respected that genre. However, he did something more with the story that allowed it to be much more than a story of a knight.
At the outset, it is about Sir Gawain, and his battle with the mysterious Green Knight. Clearly, however, there is a richly detailed interiority in this quest as well that made for an interesting watch. Motivated by wanting to tell a tale worth telling (and thus earning a place at the round table), Sir Gawain took on a challenge that exceeded his abilities and tested not only his prowess but also his personhood. This game of life and death with the Green Knight is more about his own moral failings and depravity. His adventure is not just about slaying giants, but also his growth in character and conscience. I love how his quest is both physical but mostly spiritual. Dev Patel as Sir Gawain is brilliant. The way he ortrayed the cowardly knight is richly nuanced, and sensitive. The luminous Alicia Vikander is also captivating.
Yes, the film has the tendency to be too esoteric at times. The pacing could have been improved with some judicious edits. Those expecting more swordfights, and breathless action may find the film not what they expect, and so must be prepared to see it for more than that. You will then be able to appreciate it for what it is.
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